Skip to main content
30 Photos

AA Bakery & Cafe
$ · Chinese, Dim Sum, Breakfast, Donuts

1068 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 981-0123
Closed
Website
Are you the owner? Claim this business

ZipPicks Awards

Best Donuts in Chinatown Best Dim Sum in Chinatown Best Breakfast in Chinatown

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

AA Bakery & Cafe 8.1
Chinatown
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Sweet Treats Escapes Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Long-running Chinatown bakery-cafe known for a wide pastry case and steady fry work on Chinese-style donuts and sweets. You can grab coffee and a couple of warm, crisp items and be on your way in minutes.
Must-Try Dishes: Sai Yong (Sugar Egg Puffs), Sesame Donut Balls, Chinese Donut (Youtiao)
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: One-stop pastry counter with reliably fresh fried sweets.
Who should go: Grab-and-go pastry hunters
When to visit: Morning hours for peak freshness and selection
What to order: Egg puffs; sesame balls; youtiao
Insider tip: Bring cash for faster checkout and occasional card minimums.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Stockton or Clay is limited and metered; best bet is Portsmouth Square Garage a block away.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most customers are locals grabbing pastries or coffee.
Noise level: Low to moderate—morning chatter and fryer hum, but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; brief lines during morning rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many pastries and fried items contain no meat.
Vegan options: Limited—some sweets may qualify but ingredients vary; check case labels.
Gluten-free options: No—most items are wheat-based with shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a grab-and-go bakery than a sit-down setting; better for a casual shared snack on a Chinatown stroll.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—tables are first-come and typically available except during peak morning hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent the cafe for sweets and quick snacks, but seating is limited and tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fresher fried pastries and wider variety than most Chinatown bakeries, plus the convenience of coffee service.
Skip if: You’re looking for artisanal donuts or a leisurely cafe experience—this is a fast, no-frills local spot.

Hours

Monday6:30am - 6pm
Tuesday6:30am - 6pm
Wednesday6:30am - 6pm
Thursday6:30am - 6pm
Friday6:30am - 6pm
Saturday6:30am - 6pm
Sunday6:30am - 6pm